BA (Honours) in History and Politics

The Open University

BA (Honours) in History and Politics

This wide-ranging course will develop and deepen your knowledge of different periods of history mostly after 1750 while providing a critical understanding of political ideas, institutions, issues and theories. You’ll tackle such exciting and challenging issues as power and warfare, security and insecurity, global justice, culture and beliefs, health and medicine, imperialism and resistance, class and gender. Throughout the course you will be learning the skills of both the political scientist and the historian in studying historical materials and contemporary problems; exploring how we understand, interpret and debate past and current events as well as future trends; and investigating a range of critical approaches to historical and political analysis and understanding in an integrated manner.

Key features of the course

Study a range of periods and societies from 1750 using social scientific theories and approaches and historical analysis

Have the opportunity, tools and guidance to develop an independent project on a subject of your choice

Develop skills relevant to political and historical research and writing directed to a range of audiences

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

At Stage 1 you’ll study two compulsory modules that will introduce you to a broad range of subjects in the arts and humanities and social sciences.

Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study two further compulsory modules, one in history and one in politics.

Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study two modules, choosing one period in history and one aspect of politics to study.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Skills for career development

Studying history and politics will provide you with an adaptable set of skills that can lead in many directions and are greatly valued by employers. Beyond subject knowledge, these include critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and communication. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking and information auditing skills, as well as develop an ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information when constructing an argument to a variety of audiences. These are key skills in complex organisations and independent endeavours and are highly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, starting, changing or looking to progress your career.

Career relevance

Studying history and politics requires and fosters an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural and political environments and historical contexts. The breadth of study and range of ideas and objects analysed, combined with clear thinking and communication, make the BA (Hons) History and Politics relevant to a wide range of careers, including:

education

public administration, central and local government, the civil and diplomatic service, art and museum institutions, and social services